If you could design the ‘perfect flying experience,’ how would it look?
Last April, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky asked his Twitter followers that question, and they came up with some intriguing ideas that included in-flight karaoke and bunk beds on the plane! But Chesky condensed their responses to three main issues—'faster, cheaper, better experience.’ This week, he is hinting that Airbnb may take action on those suggestions, telling the Sunday Times of London that the platform is looking to get into the ‘end-to-end trip business.’ Is there an Airbnb Airlines in our future?
Jasper is joined by Nicole Prentice Williams, VP of Strategic Partnerships for Hostfully, to discuss the possibility of Airbnb entering the aviation space. They discuss the creative suggestions proposed by Chesky’s Twitter followers as well as Jason Steffen’s boarding research.
Nicole and Jasper also cover the story of a Canadian grandmother who is suing the platform for her stay in what she called a ‘university pot ghetto,’ the abrupt cancellation of bookings in Beijing during China’s annual parliament, and Danny Glover’s efforts to promote pro-Airbnb legislation in New York. Listen in for hacks to improve your own flying experience and insight on the future direction of Airbnb.
Topics Covered
Article #1: Get Ready for ‘Airbnb: Airline Edition’ (Legacy Airlines are Already Spooked)
- Serious about ‘end-to-end trip business’
- Twitter thread re: flying experience
- Creative ideas, e.g.: bunk beds, activities
- ‘Faster, cheaper, better experience’
Article #2: Grandma Sues Airbnb Over Canada 150 Stay in Ottawa ‘University Pot Ghetto’
- Booked $1390/night Airbnb for Canada Day
- Neighbors smoking pot, playing beer pong
- Took grandchildren to hotel on third day
- Money refunded after story became public
- Likely due to security, difficult to vet Instant Book guests
- Abrupt cancellation suggests lack of communication with Chinese government
- No homes available in Beijing until March 30
Article #4: Danny Glover is Going to Albany to Fight for Airbnb
- Pro- and anti-Airbnb bills proposed in New York
- Glover hired as consultant for Airbnb
- Home sharing as ‘bridge to financial stability’
- Pro-Airbnb legislation unlikely to pass
Resources Mentioned
Article #1: inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/get-ready-for-airbnb-airline-edition-legacy-airlines-are-already-spooked.html
Chesky Air Travel Twitter Thread
Article #2: cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/airbnb-lawsuit-marijuana-ottawa-1.4559792
Article #3: businessinsider.com/airbnb-removed-china-listings-during-national-peoples-congress-2018-3
Article #4: nypost.com/2018/03/05/danny-glover-is-going-to-albany-to-fight-for-airbnb/
Get Paid for Your Pad Facebook Group
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This episode is sponsored by Payfully. Payfully allows Airbnb hosts to get paid within 24 hours after a booking is received. Use code GPFYP to get the first advance for free!
To subscribe to the podcast, please use the links below
Click Here to Subscribe via iTunes
Click here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)
If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunes or Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks!